HIGHEST NUMBER OF GALLANTRY MEDALS FOR CRPF

Why in the news?

President Droupadi Murmu approved 213 gallantry medals for members of state and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and 103 medals for members of the Armed Forces on the eve of Independence Day 2024. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was granted the most number of gallantry medals.

  • Kirti Chakra: Four Kirti Chakras were given, three of them posthumously, for deeds of great gallantry in the face of the enemy.
  • Shaurya Chakra: 18 Shaurya Chakras (4 posthumous) were bestowed for heroism, daring action, or self-sacrifice while not facing the enemy.
  • Sena Medal: Members of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force were granted 63 Sena Medals (gallantry).

About CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force)

  • Formation: The Crown Representative’s Police was the original name of the CRPF, which was renamed the CRPF upon India’s independence in 1939.
  • Function: As the biggest paramilitary force in India, the CRPF is in charge of counterinsurgency, anti-terrorism, and law and order activities all throughout the nation.
  • Strength: The CRPF has more than 300,000 members stationed all over India.

Gallantry Awards

HIGHEST NUMBER OF GALLANTRY MEDALS FOR CRPF

About: 

  • The Government of India established Gallantry Awards to recognize acts of bravery and sacrifice by officers/personnel of the Armed Forces, other lawfully created Forces, and civilians.
  • Post-independence, the Government of India established the first three gallantry awards, the Param Vir Chakra, the Maha Vir Chakra, and the Vir Chakra, on January 26, 1950, with effect from August 15, 1947.
  • Following that, the Government of India established three further gallantry medals on January 4, 1952: Ashoka Chakra Class-I, Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and Ashoka Chakra Class-III, which were to take effect on August 15, 1947.These awards were renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra respectively in January, 1967.
  • These gallantry medals are announced twice a year, once on Republic Day and again on Independence Day.
  • Gallantry awards are divided into two categories:
    • Wartime gallantry awards: These awards recognize bravery in the face of the adversary.
    • Peacetime Gallantry Awards recognize gallantry in non-combat situations.